Partnership for Clean Water

The Partnership for Clean Water is a global optimization and recognition program for wastewater utilities. It was established in 2016 as a parallel program to drinking water’s Partnership for Safe Water.

PWC’s Water Reclamation Facilities have joined the Partnership for Clean Water.  Plant optimization improves effluent water quality, providing a margin of safety beyond current regulatory requirements. The goal is to achieve this as energy-efficiently as possible, limiting consumption of the earth’s natural resources. This voluntary program was established “for utilities, by utilities” to provide wastewater utility staff with the tools and resources needed to comprehensively assess wastewater plant performance and develop plans to improve operations, performance, and efficiency.  

The Rockfish Creek WRF is currently in the final phase of optimization within the Partnership for Clean Water. Upon completion of this phase, the Rockfish Creek WRF will be eligible to be recognized throughout the wastewater community for its progress through the program’s milestones and optimization achievements.

Why Optimize?

Optimizing the performance of wastewater treatment facilities to improve the quality of effluent water discharged to the natural environment can help to protect the quality of surface waters that may be utilized as a downstream drinking water source.  The steps taken to improve effluent water quality may also result in improvements in operational efficiencies and operating costs. The program’s unique self-assessment process can help to create a focus on results and a culture of excellence.

Utility Eligibility

Wastewater plants of all sizes and process configurations are eligible to participate. There are four phases to the Partnership for Clean Water (the first three phases are required; the last is optional):

• Phase I – Commitment: Utilities complete the Membership Application.

• Phase II – Baseline Data Collection: Wastewater treatment plants submit 12 months of effluent quality performance data annually. By continuing to analyze performance and submit data, the utility demonstrates the effect of their ongoing optimization efforts on effluent quality.

• Phase III – Self-Assessment: Wastewater treatment plants complete a comprehensive self-assessment of plant performance and operations following the EPA Comprehensive Correction Program framework. This allows for the identification of Performance Limiting Factors and the development of targeted Action Plans to improve performance. Self-assessment results are peer-reviewed by utility optimization experts.

• Phase IV – Optimized System (Optional): This is an optional phase currently under development.